Parents decry racist incidents and bus safety lapses; Carmel BOE promises follow-up and community events

Several parents told the Carmel Central School District Board of Education on Feb. 6 that their children have endured racist language, physical bullying and inadequate supervision on school buses and playgrounds, prompting trustees to promise investigations and additional supports.

The meeting’s public-comment period included accounts from Abby Nicola, who said her first‑grade daughter at Matthew Patterson has been bullied and now wears a body camera on the bus, and Tayshaun Campbell, who reported roughly six incidents this school year including racial slurs directed at both her children and a lack of bus monitors. Both asked the board to hold staff accountable and to clarify discipline and bus‑supervision protocols.

The board acknowledged the complaints and described the process. Trustee Wise reminded listeners that under New York law an incident that a “reasonable person would expect to affect the ability of a child to safely access their education” can be sufficient for a DASA (Dignity for All Students Act) determination. Trustees and interim superintendent Joseph McGrath said they have met with legal counsel, that data collection is critical, and that parents retain the right to file formal written complaints under district policy 14‑40 so the district can investigate and, if necessary, escalate.

"A single time is a violation of their dignity," Trustee Wise said, noting the board has reviewed state statutes and district procedures and intends to use the complaint process to document and respond to incidents.

Administrators outlined immediate and ongoing steps. Interim Superintendent Joseph McGrath said the district has convened community dialogues, contracted speaker and training resources, and will continue to gather community input. McGrath announced a districtwide Unity in the Community event on Feb. 13 titled "Strictly No Elephants," in which students will read a short story and the district will host an evening discussion with speaker Paul Forbes.

Trustees said they would work with administration to identify longer‑term steps, including expanded supervision on buses, staffing changes, training, and better outreach about the DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) committee and the SPIRIT program. Board members repeatedly urged parents to use the district’s formal complaint channels so matters can be investigated and quantified for the state and for the district's records.

The meeting also included questions about whether additional bus monitors or an SPO/SRO (school public safety officer/school resource officer) coverage after school might reduce risks. Dr. Newville, George Fisher Middle School principal, and Business Officer Mister Fink discussed staffing and costs later in the evening when presenting school budgets and safety requests.

What happens next: Board members said administration will return with specific follow‑up steps and timelines. Parents who spoke were directed to file formal complaints in writing under policy 14‑40; trustees and administrators asked for data on each complaint so the district can determine remedies and, where appropriate, disciplinary steps.